Cursillo in Christianity



Introduction

As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee,

he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew,

catching fish with a net. Jesus said to them,

“Come with me, and I will teach you to catch men.”

At once they left their nets and went with him.

…Mark 1:16-18

Blessings to you for the yes you have said to Jesus by agreeing to serve on a Cursillo team! Being a team member can be an exhilarating, even life-changing, experience. It can and should be an experience filled with love – love of God, love of community, love of Christian service.

Every yes to Christ should be accompanied by prayer. While you will spend a significant time in prayer during formation, you are encouraged to attend carefully to your own prayer life and your personal relationship with Christ before and during formation.

A good way to do this is to take some time apart – a retreat, or even just a day spent in the Lord’s company – before formation begins. The Weekend you will help present is not intended to be a retreat for you, although certainly team members receive graces and other blessings as the Lord desires. However, you will be focused on other people and their needs throughout the Three Days. When you are on an airplane, you are taught to attach your own oxygen mask before doing so for a child. In the same way, attend to your own prayer life before trying to serve others. In this way, you will always be operating from a place of God’s grace and not simply out of your own resources.

If you are new to being on team, ask questions of, and express any concerns you might have, to your Rector or the more experienced members of your team. Each of us has been a first-timer and understands the anxiety you may be feeling about how to “be” in this new community.

Regardless of your experience level, your commitment to this team includes full participation in the formation process. This participation is essential to the growth of the team. Team formation is a time to come to know yourself, your teammates, and God more intimately. Your full participation may require you to cut back temporarily on other commitments or activities. If this is impossible, prayerfully consider whether you are being called to serve on a different team at a later date. Keep in mind that your commitment includes staying in touch with the new Cursillistas from your Weekend for one full year.

Bring your whole self to your formation, be open and humble, pray, and the blessings of Christ Jesus will be abundant.

De Colores! The prayers of the entire community are with you!

Contents

Cursillo in Christianity 1

Purpose of the Movement 1

Method 1

Weekend 1

The Use of Study 2

A Formation Overview 3

Purpose of the Team 3

Primary Focus of Team Formation 3

The Rector’s Role 3

The Role of the Angel 3

The Spiritual Directors 4

Process 4

Obstacles to Team Formation 4

Finally… 4

Spiritual Aids to Team Formation 5

Prayer and the Use of Prayer 5

The Use of Scripture 5

Liturgies 5

Personal Sharing and Group Reunion 6

Socializing 6

Administrative Aspects of Formation 7

Team Meeting Schedule 7

Sharing of Work and Weekend Planning 7

Talk Day 7

Talks 9

The Talks, in Brief 9

Thursday: Retreat 9

Friday: Encounter with Self 9

Saturday: Encounter with Christ 9

Sunday: Encounter with Others 9

Progression of the Talks and Meditations 10

Thursday: Retreat 10

Friday: Encounter with Self 10

Saturday: Encounter with Christ 11

Sunday: Encounter with Others 12

How to Write a Talk 13

Weekend Skills and Mechanics 15

The Jesus Style 15

Role of the Table Auxiliary 17

Posters 18

One-on-Ones 19

Chapel Visits 20

Missionhurst 21

SAN DAMIANO……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 23

Sample Missionhurst Schedule 27

Cursillo in Christianity

The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men and women

of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted,

these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the followers of Christ.

Nothing genuinely human fails to raise an echo in their hearts.

For theirs is a community composed of men and women.

United in Christ, they are led by the Holy Spirit in their journey to the kingdom of their Father

and they have welcomed the news of salvation

which is meant for every man and woman.

…Constitution on the Church in the Modern World

Purpose of the Movement

The Cursillo Movement, from its beginnings, has been a powerful tool of renewal within the Church. Its purpose is to call forth Christians willing to work together in community to enliven their world – to spread the Good News – to bring the presence of Jesus Christ and his love in action into all situations in which they find themselves.

Method

The method of the Cursillo Movement has several parts, all of which are necessary for the Movement to bear fruit.

Pre-Cursillo: Invitation and evangelization

Weekend: Encounter and experience of Christian community

Post-Cursillo: Support and growth; sharing life experiences in community

The Cursillo Method is designed to help us live out, or enflesh, the fundamentals – love of God, love of neighbor, love of our world – in all our environments. The Cursillo Method bonds Christians into a community of love in action and provides the support structure and strength that each individual needs in order to work for the coming of the kingdom. The particular part of the method we will talk about in this book is the Weekend.

Weekend

The Weekend is designed primarily to prepare the individual to experience and live a full Christian life, rather than to convey knowledge about the faith. For some, it may be a conversion experience, while for others it is a deepening of a commitment previously made.

The dynamics of the Cursillo Weekend (or Three Days) consist of a sharing of piety, study and action woven through the talks, discussions, liturgies, meals and recreation that comprise the weekend. It is a process of introducing the individual to a personal experience of Christian community in action.

The Weekend is not to be seen as an end in itself, but as a catalyst for the formation of Christian leaders willing to live and work for the common goal of renewing and restoring all things to Christ.

The Use of Study

Team members should familiarize themselves with The Fundamental Ideas of the Cursillo Movement and The Cursillo Manual, especially the sections on the Weekend and the talks. Since the need for study is one of the legs of the tripod presented on the Weekend, team members should use their team formation as an opportunity to check themselves on their own program of study. The School of Leaders is an important forum for a team’s study, especially programs being offered on team formation, the methodology of the Weekend, and related topics. It is highly recommended that teams try to attend School of Leaders throughout their formation period.

A Formation Overview

Many miracles and wonders were being done through the apostles,

and everyone was filled with awe. All the believers continued together

in close fellowship…Day after day they met as a group in the Temple,

and they had their meals together in their homes,

eating with glad and humble hearts, praising God,

and enjoying the good will of all the people.

And every day the Lord added to their group

those who were being saved.

…Acts 2:43-47

Purpose of the Team

The team is called together to witness Christian life in a communal setting, not just to perform the task of presenting a Cursillo Weekend. The Weekend should not be simply an experience of human community, which is what might happen if the team is a group of individuals who have agreed just to do a “job.” The team must witness to a Christianity that is lived and believed by becoming, during formation, brothers or sisters to one another in Christ. It is far more effective if the candidates witness from the team that Christian community is possible in the world today.

Primary Focus of Team Formation

The essential element in team formation is that Jesus Christ be the center of team life. All should be done in His Spirit and for Him. The most reliable way of assuring that He is the center is to be sure that each team is rooted in the Word of God. Max Delepesse writes, “…without hearing God’s Word, without the sacraments, without public and private prayer, no Christian community is possible.” Christian community is a gift. It is the work of the Holy Spirit. And the building of community is always in process. It is not a condition that a group “has” or “earns” by following certain steps. Each person brings the fruits of his or her own spirituality to the team.

The Rector’s Role

The Rector is spiritual leader for team formation and for the Weekend. It is the Rector’s responsibility to ensure that the team has the spiritual foundation to live as Christian community while at the same time making sure that the Cursillo method is being thoroughly lived by the team. Your Rector may or may not be experienced in “management.” It is important to keep in mind that every Rector is chosen primarily for the evidence of their life in Christ and their commitment to living the Cursillo method.

The Role of the Angel

The Angel is a central figure on the team. The Angel will be the “Martha” of the entire process, from team formation through team evaluation. While there is one person selected to serve as the Angel – it is essential for each team member to realize that the many tasks needed to put on a weekend are immense and each team member must help in getting them done. It is essential that the tasks get done; it is not important who does them.

The Spiritual Directors

During formation, the role of the Spiritual Directors is primarily to nourish the spiritual life of the team and, along with the Rector, promote a spirit of unity and community. On the weekend, it is the Spiritual Directors who give the dogmatic foundation talks of the Weekend. The Spiritual Directors’ mission is one of teaching as well as – in the case of the priest – celebrating Mass and hearing confessions.

Process

When the communal and spiritual aspects of team formation are balanced, and there is mature spiritual direction and lay leadership centered in Christ and His Work, a life-giving community will develop. Growth is hindered when team members are there more for their own needs than for others’, or have not grown secure enough in their own gifts to step out to affirm and embrace others.

If the team has formed and molded itself in the light of the Gospel, then the individuals will be instruments of Christ – servants of one another and the candidates.

Obstacles to Team Formation

We come together as many scattered pieces. Only our brother Christ can bring us together as one body to form us into His team. In any group, sin is present. We must be forever mindful of our selfishness, fears and pride, which keep us from being that whole person we are called to be by Jesus Christ. Our humanity will cause tensions and problems. The degree to which these tensions and problems are dealt with in a loving way will determine the growth of the team. Unless we reconcile as a team, we offer the candidates only our bandaged egos and not the resurrected Christ.

Finally…

The primary channels of God’s revelation are the human companions

to whom we give the sacred name “friends.”

…Paula Ripple

As team members begin the privilege of knowing one another, it is important to understand that there should be a freedom for each to share where he or she is with no judgments made. The shared experience should not be judged or evaluated. Each individual’s spiritual journey is unique and precious. We should feel as free to express that we have had no sense of Christ in our life at a given time as we are to share experiences of His love. God calls each of us by a different name and a different path. Each team member brings a different facet of Christ, which broadens the experience of the whole team’s awareness of Jesus.

What is of utmost importance on the Cursillo Weekend is that the resurrection of Jesus be realized in each candidate. The role of the team is to facilitate, not complicate, this resurrection. The depth and the growth of team formation enable the team to present a Weekend that is true to life and true to the Gospel. It should be true to the Gospel in the belief that Jesus Christ furnishes us with the light and power to live a Christian life in our environment in the Fourth Day.

Spiritual Aids to Team Formation

Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances.

This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

…1 Th 5:16-18

Prayer and the Use of Prayer

Team members must be people of prayer. Prayer informs all aspects of team formation and is the key element that binds the team together. This might include:

• the Prayer to the Holy Spirit at the start of each team meeting;

• spontaneous prayer by any team member at the beginning or end of meetings;

• individual prayer for a particular team member each week and a call to that person, or prayer for the entire team;

• prayer for a person with whom you have difficulty;

• prayer for special needs of team members, specific intercessions; and,

• prayer for potential candidates.

Palanca in the form of prayer, fasting and good works is encouraged to begin as soon as the team is called together. The team should do any obvious palanca (such as fasting) before the Weekend, not during it.

The Use of Scripture

Scripture reading and sharing brings Christ into all the activities of team formation. Much insight is provided by Scripture sharing and the special character of the team can be enhanced through such sharing.

There are numerous ways to pray with Scripture. For example, a team might journal with a special Scriptural focus each week, possibly the upcoming Sunday readings. Or, Scripture can be used as a basis for sharing and coming to know each other.

Liturgies

The liturgical life of a team should be rich and nourishing. Usually there are several liturgies celebrated during formation:

• Celebration of the Eucharist can be a part of team meetings with the sharing of the week’s reflection on Scripture, or a dialogue homily, or Group Reunion used for part of a Liturgy of the Word. It has been customary to close team formation with a Mass and begin the Weekend, before the arrival of the candidates on Thursday, with Mass.

• Reconciliation services provide a unique opportunity for team members to confess, ask forgiveness and reconcile. This can be a great aid in personal and communal growth. A simple service is often included during formation, whether needs are particularly evident or not.

• Para-liturgies, such as meditations given by the Spiritual Directors.

• Quiet Day/Evening is a time for the team to withdraw and be together with the Lord. This space allows the team to center, to just “be” with Jesus and each other. Usually a facility is chosen that is quiet and has a chapel, but private homes have also been used. The site is not as important as the atmosphere and the understanding that Jesus is present. Usually there will be Eucharist, sharing, and quiet.

Personal Sharing and Group Reunion

We come together as a group of individuals to become a community of service to the candidates who will join us. In order to become this Christian community, we need to get to know each other, to risk letting others know us, as much as we are able – to be ourselves with each other first and, then, to risk sharing ourselves with people we do not know. Sometimes, it is difficult to be “real” with each other, so it may be helpful to employ a few techniques to facilitate the process:

• Sharing your personal history, including factual data, personal background, special interests, employment, family, and volunteer activities.

• Sharing your spiritual journey, your individual road in growth as a Christian.

• Sharing why you said ‘yes’ to being a team member.

• Discussion of gifts, what each person feels they bring to the team. How can team members develop and be better servants? Affirm gifts and talents in one another after everyone feels comfortable with each other.

• Grouping. The team should be a working Group Reunion with sharing of piety, study and action. Some teams have taken one question each week and shared around it as a whole, while other teams break weekly into smaller groups for the entire reunion process, the composition of the groups changing from week to week.

Socializing

Formation time is short, so it is important to use every opportunity to get to know other team members. A social activity such as a potluck, with spouses, prior to the first meeting can be a good icebreaker. During formation, team members are encouraged to find ways to develop deeper personal relationships, through such means as:

• Carpooling to meetings with other team members.

• Telephone calls and brief notes to keep in touch during the week.

• Social time after meetings.

Administrative Aspects of Formation

The Word was the source of life,

and this life brought light to mankind.

The light shines in the darkness, and

the darkness has never put it out.

…John 1:4-5

Team Meeting Schedule

The Rector generally will prepare an initial schedule of team meetings and activities before the first meeting. At the first or second meeting, the team will discuss any necessary changes and then accept the calendar.

Usually, the team meets for about 10 weeks – or has 10 meetings – in advance of the Weekend.

A planning calendar should include dates and times of meetings, quiet night/day, talk day, potluck and any other special activities, and designation of a meeting after the Weekend for evaluation.

Sharing of Work and Weekend Planning

Team members are encouraged to share their time and talent in working together on things that must be done for team formation and the Weekend itself. Your Angel will probably pass around a sign-up sheet asking you to volunteer – or for your Group Reunion or Ultreya to volunteer – to take on some of the things that have to be accomplished. For example:

• Serving with other team members to organize activities such as liturgies and social events.

• Perhaps taking turns hosting meetings and/or providing refreshments.

• Providing special supplies for the Weekend – name tags, palanca bags, etc.

It is important to remember that while these things may seem important, your time and energy are best spent on your relationship with Christ and each other. Wherever possible, try to get members of the community at large to support your team by providing artistic talent, etc.

The Secretariat strongly discourages extra frills for Arlington Cursillo’s Weekends. Our Weekends are full enough without additional non-essentials. Please, no surprises (such as pillow treats or other gifts) on the Weekend. Keep in mind that attention should always be focused on Christ; music and gifts should not be used to draw attention to any one individual.

Talk Day

Talk Day has evolved as an effective way to critique the talks that each team member will give, to ensure that all the points essential to the message are presented, and that the witness, or sharing, given in the talk supports the points. Talks must be completed in advance of Talk Day.

Additionally, hearing all the talks given in one day gives the team a fuller understanding of the continuity of the talks and the flow of the Weekend. Talk Day is frequently when team members say, “We came together as a team.”

While critiques are offered by all present as appropriate for each talk given, it is important to remember that these are provided in the context of the Spirit, always in a positive, constructive and loving manner.

Talks

Moses said, “Uh, my God, I…I never in my life have been what you’d call…uh…

eloquent. Never. I mean…even after our little talks together.

You see, I…I…stammer, you see. I do-…don’t speak well at all.”

“Hm,” God mused. “Where do you suppose a mouth comes from?

Who would you guess makes this one speechless and that one deaf?

This one clear-eyed and that one blind?”

“Uh, you, God. But…if…if…if it would please you,

there…must be someone else.”

“Hm,” God mused again. “Yes, Yes,

I suppose I had better go with you.”

…Paraphrase of Ex.4:10-13 by Fr. William J. O’Malley

The Talks, in Brief

During the weekend, a series of meditations and talks is given. The meditations and certain talks are usually given by the Spiritual Directors, although other team members have sometimes been called to do one. The names of the meditations and talks are as follows:

Thursday: Retreat

Rector’s Welcome

Two meditations: Know Yourself and The Prodigal Son/Daughter.

Friday: Encounter with Self

Morning meditation, The Three Glances of Christ

Talks: Ideal, Habitual Grace (Spiritual Director), Lay Person in the Church, Actual Grace (Spiritual Director), and Piety.

Saturday: Encounter with Christ

Morning meditation – The Person of Christ

Talks - Study, Sacraments (Spiritual Director), Action, Obstacles to the Life of Grace (Spiritual Director), Leaders.

Sunday: Encounter with Others

Morning meditation - Christ’s Message to the Cursillistas

Talks - Study of Environments, Life in Grace (Spiritual Director), Christianity in Action, The Cursillista Beyond the Cursillo, and Total Security

Progression of the Talks and Meditations

The talks are only part of the weekend dynamic. They draw from and contribute to the activities – discussions, socializing, chapel visits, one-on-ones, liturgies – which the Holy Spirit, through the team, uses to reach the candidates. Basically, the weekend succeeds because God’s love is shown through everything the team and the wider Cursillo community does; but the talks do focus the entire process of the “short course” – the Cursillo. Therefore, their order and substance may not be changed.

It is very useful for every team member to understand that nothing on the weekend is haphazard. There is a definite planned flow from talk to talk and event. The weekend moves through three phases in three days, after a calming and winding down period on Thursday night.

• Friday, Encounter with Self: the theme is ourselves and how we fit into God’s plan.

• Saturday, Encounter with Christ: the emphasis shifts to Christ and how better to know Him as a friend and as a leader.

• Sunday, Encounter with Others: the theme is now outreach, our world and our duty in it – and the support we can expect.

Thursday: Retreat

The short course, the Cursillo weekend, begins with a low-key, explanatory WELCOME BY THE RECTOR on Thursday evening, introductions all around, then activities designed to start the opening and focusing process for this group of strangers – most of whom are vaguely uncomfortable with just being there. Something is required to settle everyone down from wherever and whatever they come from, to reassure them; a familiar retreat-type atmosphere is set by the meditations and quiet time.

KNOW YOURSELF, the first meditation, asks us to reflect on ourselves and on our relationship to Christ; then, to look at how we feel about being here on the weekend and, since we are here, what can we leave behind to help us enjoy what the weekend brings to each individual.

The PRODIGAL SON meditation reminds us of our complete and unconditional acceptance by a loving Father, regardless of what we might think of ourselves.

Night prayers and quiet until after breakfast.

Friday: Encounter with Self

In the morning, before breakfast, the THREE GLANCES OF CHRIST meditation continues the pattern: What is my response to how Christ sees me now?

The first talk of the weekend, the IDEAL talk, helps us see what is really directing our lives and why we need to know that; it is a personal but not “witnessing” talk. God and faith are not usually mentioned, but this talk certainly can be inspirational and it sets the tone for the weekend.

HABITUAL GRACE, given by a Spiritual Director, takes us a logical step further, from What do I live by? to What does God, the Father of all prodigals, want for me? The answer is given: A life in God’s friendship, a life in His grace.

The next talk, LAY PERSON IN THE CHURCH, shows how living in grace means being living, working members of the community, and we begin, perhaps for the first time, to see that it’s also we who bring Christ to the world – not just the formal, organized, and structural religious organization called “church.”

In the palanca talk, formally called the ACTUAL GRACE, the central theme given by the Spiritual Director is the ever-presence of God to everyone, in every stage of their Christian development, but especially how He is manifested in the love and support of the community.

The next team talk is PIETY. It addresses a cornerstone of Cursillo: being an apostle, living the Christian life fully and freely, and, most of all, attainably. Through witness, the speaker helps the listeners think about their lives in relation to Christ and how they can attain a deeper, fuller relationship with and in Him. Piety is the first leg of the Cursillo tripod.

Saturday: Encounter with Christ

The morning meditation, THE PERSON OF CHRIST, shows us the ageless, eternal Lord actually among us – God and man – who is happy with us and for us.

The first talk on Saturday is a lay talk, STUDY. It is a response to the desire to know more about living in grace and how to go about that lifelong process of understanding an unchanging God in an ever-changing world, and our place with Him in it. This second leg of the tripod of Piety, Study and Action, is the first step toward consciously developing the ability to be a Christian leader.

The SACRAMENTS talk, usually given by the priest, draws us back to the importance and happiness of a personal relationship with Christ. The sacraments are God’s loving offer and proof of His friendship.

ACTION, that is, apostolic action, brings men and women to Christ. This lay talk is very heavy on witness and personal experience. Action is linked to Piety and Study, and is presented as befriending people, bringing them to friendship with Christ, and keeping them there. The tripod is now complete.

The next talk, given by a Spiritual Director, discusses the OBSTACLES TO THE LIFE OF GRACE – influences that pull us away, or keep us away, from our Ideal. Our appreciation of the life in grace and ways to stay in God’s friendship are affirmed and reinforced by this talk.

Saturday’s last talk, LEADERS, through its strong witness, places the emphasis on hard work, dedicated effort, and living the Christian life as the foundation for Christian leadership.

Sunday: Encounter with Others

The theme on Sunday is outreach, how we live out our life in Christ – apostolic action in the real world in which we belong. The morning meditation, CHRIST’S MESSAGE TO THE CURSILLISTA, is Jesus’ call to us. The theme is that God wants us to live in the world, evangelizing and building our community, in the society in which we live. This meditation is particularly poignant after morning prayer service.

The first lay talk is STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTS, an enthusiastic and optimistic examination of various approaches to God’s children in the real world, in an environment that includes changing circumstances. We look at how we, as Christians, as leaders, can adapt and build and take advantage of change; how we might be said to “manage chaos.”

LIFE IN GRACE, a personal action plan, is given by a Spiritual Director and helps us structure our lives using Piety, Study and Action to enjoy God’s grace – doing it with confidence and enthusiasm, not hesitantly or with uncertainty.

CHRISTIANITY IN ACTION, a strong witnessing talk, should create in us a need to make Christ known. Drawing from the previous days’ calls to service, especially the Layperson in the Church talk, several models of community are examined and the conditions necessary for Christian action are covered.

THE CURSILLISTA AFTER THE CURSILLO, another strong witnessing talk. What are the Cursillistas to do with their new-found idealism, self-surrender, and spirit of charity? The Grace of God has been poured out on them and they feel alive, convinced and enthusiastic. This talk is a reminder to take their light from under a bushel and put it on a lamp stand. No one can do everything, but all can do something.

TOTAL SECURITY is the final talk. It introduces the human side of the support structure in Cursillo – group reunion and ultreya. The emphasis is on not only are you not alone, but you are both surrounded and uplifted. This is always a personal witness talk. This talk is followed possibly by Mass but always by Closing.

How to Write a Talk

Talks must be limited to approximately 15 minutes, but not longer than 20 minutes, generally about 1500 words.

The purpose of each talk is to encourage discussion at the tables after the talk is over, since the tables are where the action is on a Cursillo. One of the best ways to encourage discussion is to end your talk with a question.

Each talk builds on the one before and each day builds on the previous day. There is a gradual progression that takes place during the course of the weekend. All the talks and meditations fit together to make up the grand mosaic of the Cursillo weekend.

Every talk is not a witness talk. But all talks should be personalized, which keeps them from becoming dull and dry. The early talks on Friday can be made personal without witnessing. We can put ourselves into the talks without sacrificing the main points of the outline, which are essential to the progression of the weekend. To be personal means to express the content in your own words and using your own life. “Witness” adds the element of using your words and life and stories to show how God is working in and through you, and about the power and impact of Christ in your life. “Strong witness” means that there is a larger amount of witnessing to underscore the points of the talk.

It is not necessary or desirable to be powerful or dramatic. The talks are a means of giving the candidates something to reflect on and talk about at the tables and with each other during the weekend. Being overly emotional or dramatic will tend to move the focus from Christ and the weekend to yourself, and possibly turn off some of the candidates. In all the talks, success is in the discussions they generate, not in any applause or tears. A talk that “blows you away” usually leaves you remembering the speaker, not the message.

The talks should be written in your own personal speaking style. Each talk will be unique to the person giving it, even though all have worked from the Cursillo outlines. Remember, most of us are not professional speakers. We do ask that the candidates bear with us as we deliver our talks. Much of what speaks to the candidates during our talks is our openness to being vulnerable in front of them.

Before beginning to write a talk, take some time to pray and ask for guidance. Read over the talk source material several times to get the gist of what is to be said. You then may want to make an outline of what you are going to say. Remember there are certain points that must be covered in each talk. Be sure to include these in your talk. Continue to pray about what the Holy Spirit would have you say, and listen intently for direction.

After you finish your talk, let it sit for a few days then go back to see if it addresses whatever is requested. Remember, write in your own style. Put yourself into the talk. If you are Joe, put Joe into the talk; if you are Irene, put Irene into the talk. Write the way you talk, and act normally when it is time to present your talk on Talk Day.

Practice giving your talk out loud to yourself whenever you consider the talk is finished – at least several times. Make sure the main points are emphasized in your delivery. Time yourself. Take things easy and do not be in a big hurry to get it over with. Don’t sweat it. Many people before you have given this same talk and all have survived. You can do it even if this is your first time. Remember that it is important to stay within the assigned time and make a real effort to do so. The weekend is run on a very tight schedule and each talk needs to be concise without sacrificing the essentials.

If changes are recommended to you on Talk Day, try to receive them prayerfully and in the constructive way they are intended. Make the recommended changes, share your changes with the Rector, practice your talk out loud some more, then lay it aside. If you have concerns, discuss them with the Rector. Do not go back again and again in an attempt to fine tune it. And, above all, do not rewrite or add to your talk on the weekend! If something occurs during the course of the weekend that dramatically underscores the focus of your talk, discuss with your Rector whether you should add it.

One most important reminder – be sure to bring your talk with you for the weekend and don’t forget to pack your Sunday clothes for your talk and the Closing!

Weekend Skills and Mechanics

In the twilight of life, God will not judge us

on our earthy possessions and human success,

but rather on how much we have loved.

…John of the Cross

The Jesus Style

(Condensed from Bruce Larson’s “Ask Me to Dance”)

The quality of our relationships is the measure of our Christian authenticity. Ability to relate to groups as well as individuals is the key to communicating the Gospel in this or any age.

The following 10 guidelines may help you experience creative relationships with the people around you.

1. Be real. Jesus came to live in us so that we might become the unique persons He created us to be. Don’t try to be like any other Christian or even like Jesus. Don’t try to be “spiritual.” The Holy Spirit acting in the New Testament is not very spiritual, as we interpret the word today. Confronting Peter in prison, the angel of the Lord says, “Get up. Put on your shoes and belt. Follow me.” This is angel talk!

2. Identify with people. This is the incarnation principle. Jesus came to earth to be one of us totally. He commands us to be one with people, to open our lives enough to let people know that we hurt and hope and feel in the same way they do.

3. Listen to people. This is what love is all about. The ministry of listening is rare. Try to remember the last time somebody drew you out, asked you questions and listened intently. When there can be an exchange of ideas, feelings, and hurts, we feel God’s love through the other person.

4. Affirm people. How often we act like John the Baptist with those around us. We teach, correct, point out faults, and bring down wrath. But Jesus had a very different style. He believed in people, affirmed them, called fishermen to be apostles, loved prostitutes, Pharisees, and Samaritans. People found hope because of their relationship with Jesus.

5. Share decision making. We honor other people when we let them in on planning, whether we’re making plans for our family, our church, or the world. Include those involved in setting goals and determining strategies.

6. Don’t try to change people. Who are the people who have helped you the most in a crucial situation? It was probably not the advice-givers. When we give advice, we put ourselves in a superior position. To press for change, however subtly, indicates that the person is unacceptable as he is.

7. Love specifically. Love one person at a time and love that person in specific ways. We bog down when we try to love everybody instead of taking on a few as our particular mission. The whole Kingdom of God came about because Jesus spent three years in deep relationship with twelve men.

8. Ask for help. Be willing to receive from other people. This aspect of the “Jesus style” characterizes most good leadership today. Jesus asked people for food, water, help, and companionship. If we are willing to ask for help, we can launch into new areas of ministry where we have no expertise.

9. Love in terms meaningful to the other person. Give what is wanted, not what you enjoy giving. Does the person you are trying to love want the kind of help you find it so satisfying to provide? What must you do to convey unmistakably to that person that he is loved and cared for by you?

10. Don’t “play it safe.” Any meaningful relationship requires a high degree of vulnerability. There is a risk in loving…the risk of being laughed at, misunderstood, and rejected. To love deeply means that there will be hurt and conflict. There is no esoteric life in the Spirit that will prevent this. But God is with us and we can find His answers.

Role of the Table Auxiliary

( A Table Auxiliary is one or more team members who are seated at the table along with the candidates during the entire weekend.)

The role of the table auxiliary is to assist the table leader in facilitating the communication and the formation of a small community at his table. He/she is a role model and should remember that this is the candidates’ weekend – not yours.

The above is accomplished by encouraging everyone at the table to take notes (and to take them yourselves), and to take an active part in discussions and other activities of the weekend. This is done gently and by being patient with everyone. Jump in only to ask a clarifying question – or to bring things back on track if the discussions begin to wander around.

The table auxiliary does not argue or allow him or herself or anyone else to become the “expert” on everything. He/she does not leave the candidates abandoned at the table, nor do they ever put a candidate on the spot. The auxiliary should gently help and guide those at the table to get things going, if needed. Delegate to the table leader. Make sure everyone is accounted for. Ensure that everyone participates in the discussions, one-on-one, acting as note-taker, doing summaries, etc.

The Table Auxiliary should inform the candidates that it is not necessary or desirable for them to try and capture every word and piece of information provided by the speaker. What is desired is that they summarize the high points of the talk?”

At the end of the talk, the candidates are requested to have discussions of the ideas or thoughts they may have had or what impressed them as a result of the talk. The objective is to get each individual’s point of view

While the table auxiliary should try to ensure that only one person speaks at a time, they should also ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak. Never put a candidate on the spot! Some may not feel comfortable participating fully right off. Additionally, sensitivity to the differences between extroverts and introverts is necessary. Of course, confidentially is necessary for everyone.

If there are any problems at the table, tell the Rector or Spiritual Director. Pray. Do not dominate the table. One person’s problem should not take precedence over everyone at the table.

If you are the only one at the table, the Rector or someone else will cover for you while you give your talk. Do not return to the table for discussions following your talk.

Posters

The making of posters is a good community builder and ice breaker. It can bring the people at the table together quickly. The poster itself is to be a pictorial account of the discussions at the table for each talk.

The Rector should be sensitive to the great pressure candidates sometimes experience in trying to produce “works of art.” Remember all we are trying to do is to have the candidates express what the table consensus was concerning the particular talk.

It is not necessary to try for the Nobel Prize in art when making a poster. Stick figures and “box houses” will do nicely.

Posters are made after each of the talks on Friday. However, the poster paper should not be passed out too soon. The candidates should be given a sufficient amount of time to record the results of the discussions before beginning to make the posters, at least 20 minutes. If the paper is passed out too soon, some groups tend to go into poster making before the discussions are completed. All the candidates at the table should participate in the making of the poster.

The table auxiliaries should not hoard crayons, paper, or anything else. All the art supplies should be placed at the table where the candidates have easy access to them. Remember, the auxiliaries are a part of the team and they are expected to be gentle, understanding, and patient with all the candidates – and to remember that the poster preparation is up to the candidates, not themselves!

At the appropriate time in the evening, one of the candidates is requested to provide a summary of the particular talk and another candidate will be requested to describe the discussion at the table which the corresponding poster will represent.

The making of posters should be a lot of fun and is a good way to offer joyful expression of ideas.

The atmosphere during the presentations of the summaries and posters should be relaxed and everyone should be included in the fun. It is best to be spontaneous during these times. The team should be sensitive to candidates during "merriment." The candidates have good points to make and humor should not obscure this. Make fun of the team rather than the candidates.

One-on-Ones

One-on-Ones are usually conducted after the discussions of the talks on Saturday and are in place of posters. Not only is this a change of pace, but it reintroduces the candidates to each other and to the team.

After the discussions of the talk have taken place, the Rector announces that table “such and so” is to make a chapel visit while the rest of the team and candidates conduct a “one-on-one.”

Instead of drawing a poster, people from each table pair off and continue discussion between themselves – of the talk (or other talks). What do you think, how does the talk strike/affect you? When pair-offs from each table have been exhausted, a partner is chosen from another table. The pair-offs includes pairing off with team members, Rector, Spiritual Directors, as well as with other candidates.

The discussions can take place anywhere and can be quite meaningful when done outside or while taking a walk (weather permitting). The discussions are most effective if started on Saturday morning after the first talk.

For those who do the "one-on-one" outside, remind them that they should stay within "bell hearing distance" so the Angel doesn’t have to spend precious time trying to round up the strays.

Chapel Visits

The Rector introduces the concept of chapel visits on Saturday morning when the events of the day are being outlined.

At the appointed time, the Rector announces that “table so-and-so” will now make a chapel visit while the remainder of the community participates in "one-on-ones".

The chapel visit lets us take time out - to go before the Lord in the tabernacle - to visit with Him in a more intimate way.

The chapel visit should last approximately 20 minutes or so. The table auxiliaries escort the candidates of the selected table to the chapel. Either at the table or before the group enters the chapel, a Table Auxiliary asks the candidates to gather together near the altar and take a moment to settle down. It is not necessary to go into whether one should kneel or stand or pray aloud. Candidates generally follow the lead of the team members. If the team sits, the candidates will know that is an option. If candidates kneel, that is fine. So is standing.

When things are quiet, one of the Table Auxiliaries can offer a short prayer. For example, it is appropriate to pray, "Oh Lord, I love the beauty of Your house, the place where Your glory dwells’" or, "We praise You, Lord, and give glory to Your name." That is enough to get the point across. If someone starts off with a long prayer, an auxiliary can offer a short one when the opportunity arises.

If there are no other prayers, then at a minute or so before the end of the allotted time, a Team member can suggest ending with the Lord’s Prayer. It may be appropriate to hold hands during the Lord’s Prayer, but be sensitive to those who are not up to hand-holding or arms-clasping-shoulders circles.

Avoid pressuring candidates during chapel visits: there is no pressure to pray aloud that "our sisters/brothers will be blessed so that they will have the grace to pray our loud!" There is nothing wrong with silence. Silence before the Blessed Sacrament can be healing and peaceful - an oasis in the tumult and torrent of words of a Cursillo Weekend.

Remember, schedules are tight. Get to the chapel and back on time. Use your time and be aware of the possibility of others needing to use the chapel. Let the candidates pray as they wish.

If there are two auxiliaries at the table, decide ahead of time who will start and finish if no one else does. Do not strive to make the chapel visit the highlight of the weekend.

Missionhurst

Missionhurst is located at 4651 North 25th Street, Arlington, VA 22207. The grounds are nestled at the end of the street, a few blocks south of Marymount University. It is the provincial home of the C.I.C.M. priests, who are residents of the facility. The Mission Center, which is located at the right of the circular drive as you enter the grounds, is used for Cursillo Weekends.

The point of contact is Fr. Joe Giordano at dirprom@

The phone number for Missionhurst from 8:30-4:00 weekdays is 703-528-3800.

The team and candidates will have use of the 18 bedrooms with adjoining baths, two of which are the Poustinia rooms in the basement, as well as the community witness room, the Chapel, the dining room, the Shepherd's Door, and the grounds. The two bedrooms located in the stairwells have private baths and generally are assigned to the Weekend Spiritual Directors. All other areas, such as the kitchen (except for the cook team), and the residents' dining room and living room at the front of the Center, are off-limits during the Weekend. Please use the community room as your entrance to Missionhurst. Just follow the main sidewalk past the Chapel and down the steps. There are two restrooms right off the community room.

As with all facilities, we are just guests, and a few simple rules should be followed:

• Schedule a walk-through with the Rector/Rectora well before the weekend.

• Arrive no earlier than 2:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon

• Keys can be picked up from Fr. Joe by prior arrangement.

• Provide a copy of the weekend schedule and a list of participants to the Chair of the Weekend Committee, the Lay Director, and your primary contact at Missionhurst in case of emergencies.

• All meals will be prepared and served by a Cursillo cook team. Meal times and preferences should be made known to the cook team lead, Peter Hadinger (hadinger@), as early in the planning stages as possible. The cook team is recruited and organized by Peter. There are no restrictions on when meals may be scheduled.

• Singing to and from meals is permitted.

• Smoking is allowed outside the facility only. Please use the provided containers for smoking trash.

• Cooked or prepared food outside of regularly scheduled meals needs to be coordinated with the cook team. There is a microwave oven in the Shepherd’s Door for special needs.

• Weekend parking is not permitted on the upper parking lot levels, including around the circle; the lower level parking is available, but limited. Please consider carpooling among team members, and consider how everyone is to get to the Closing site when arranging carpools. Cars may be temporarily parked on the circle for unloading and loading.

• The Shepherd's Door may be used for storage, as a team room, and as an alternate chapel during the weekend. There is a small refrigerator located there, but no ice. You may get ice from the kitchen.

• Do not use lighted candles in the Community Room, and do not leave lit candles unattended in the Shepherd's Door or in the chapel.

• The cook crew will provide the coffee – but you need to coordinate with the cook crew as to what time it should be provided.

• The Palanca box should be left outside the main entrance to the Center, near the circle, for late palanca and it should be checked regularly all weekend.

• The round tables are stored in the closet under the stairs at the end of the hall. It may be good to have two male volunteers for set up and take-down since the tables are oversized and heavy.

• The Community Room must be restored to its original condition at the close of the weekend. Everything you bring in must be removed when you leave. There is a vacuum cleaner in the closet at the end of the hall under the stairs. It’s a good idea to vacuum every evening before bed in order to protect the carpeting from ground-in snacks and dirt. This will make the work of the clean-up crew that much easier and help us maintain good relations with our hosts.

• The Weekend Committee will provide a crew of 2-3 people who will clean up the area after you leave for closing; but they should not be responsible for cleaning up the weekend items. All food stuffs in the Shepherd’s Door should be taken to closing by the team.

• Areas at Missionhurst that have been used for reconciliation have been the Shepherd's Door, Spiritual Directors’ rooms, and the sacristy. The choir loft is not acceptable because the confessions are not private. If the sacristy is used, be sure to have background music playing in the Chapel so the confessions are not overheard.

CHAPEL

• The Chapel is not available at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays, at 9:00 a.m. on weekends, noon during Lent, and from 5:30-5:45 p.m. daily. A sign will be given for you to post when the Chapel is in use by the Weekend community.

• Missionhurst provides bread and wine for Mass and vestments as needed.

• There are no music stands, but there are music books (Glory and Praise) available.

• There is also a public address system in the Chapel, plus a tape deck – but it is not always reliable.

BEDROOMS

• There is no air conditioning in the bedrooms.

• Towels and linens are provided for each room.

• Beds must be remade at the end of the weekend, and dirty linens stuffed into pillowcases and left outside each bedroom.

• Bedroom trashcans do not have to be emptied.

• All lights must be off and windows closed at the end of the weekend.

• There is a master key for the bedrooms hanging inside the Dining Room door.

• Bring extra towels and a flashlight for those team members sleeping in the Poustinia (basement) rooms. Remember not to lock these team members out of the community room at night! These rooms can be mildewy, so it is good to consider allergies when making Team room assignments.

SAN DAMIANO SPIRITUAL LIFE CENTER

San Damiano is located at 125 Old Kitchen Rd., White Post, VA 22663.

Rev. Samuel Vaccarella, T.O.R. oversees the operation of the entire facility.

The point of contact is either John Campbell (Executive Director) J.campbell@ or Donna Eppard (Hospitality Coordinator) D.Eppard@. Their phone number is 540-868-9220.

The map of the facility is attached reflecting the number of rooms available.

The team and candidates will have use of the entire two levels of this beautiful facility, including the rooms (most double occupancy) with adjoining baths, as well as the Meeting Room, the Mt. Assisi Lounge, the Dining Room, the Seton Parlor, the Reception and Library and conference room, if necessary, the entire lower level and the entire beautiful grounds. There is a newly built Way of the Cross with Stations and meditation area near the Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, suitable for group rosary, if desired. The kitchen (except for the cook team) and the offices are off-limits during the Weekend.

All rooms are handicapped accessible but rooms 18 and 30 are ADA compliant completely accessible. Rooms 2 and 4 and Rooms 6 and 8 share bathrooms. It has been customary (but not required) to put the team in rooms 30 through 43 and to use the Seton Parlor as a team room. It is far from the candidate rooms and allows for a certain amount of privacy for the team. We have also put the Spiritual Directors in Rooms 23 and 25 because they are close to the Meeting Room. The Reception and Library have been used as Spiritual Director meeting spots. Rooms in the lower level are also particularly suited for Spiritual Director meetings.

As with all facilities, we are just guests, and a few simple rules should be followed:

• Schedule a walk-through with the Rector/Rectora well before the weekend.

• Arrive no earlier than 2:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon

• To gain access to the building after hours, you must get the keypad code which randomly changes. In addition, you need to get the password for the internet. There is internet available but spotty reception based on where you are in the building. Do not depend on internet access; consider backup alternatives.

• Provide a copy of the weekend schedule and a list of participants to Donna Eppard as soon as possible prior to the weekend.

• All meals will be prepared and served by a Cursillo cook team. Meal times and preferences should be made known to the head of the cook team, Peter Hadinger (hadinger@), as early in the planning stages as possible. The cook team is recruited and organized by Peter – there is a place on our website where people can sign up to assist the cook team. There are no restrictions on when meals may be scheduled but any and all allergies should be relayed to the cook team as soon as known.

• Singing to and from meals is permitted.

• Smoking is allowed outside the facility only.

• Snacks and beverages may be stored in the Seton Parlor – there is a microwave and refrigerator in that kitchen. Food can also be set up at a snack table in the witness room.

• You may get ice from the cook crew – but be mindful that ONLY the cook crew is to be in the kitchen, for food license reasons.

• New carpet in the facility requires that ANY drinks that leave the Dining Room are LIDDED. They do provide lidded coffee cups that can be used in the Meeting Room.

• NO candles or food are allowed in the personal rooms. The food will attract vermin into the room. This is a HARD and FAST rule. You may use candles in the Meeting Room or Chapel but they may not be left unattended anywhere.

• The cook crew will have coffee ready for you each morning – but coordinate with Peter as to the time it should be ready.

• The Palanca box should be left near the front of the facility during the weekend and should be periodically checked. Note that the distance to the facility requires more pre-planning on the part of team members and sponsors to get the Palanca to the facility by Thursday night.

• Please tell Donna how you want the Meeting Room set up. The typical way is 5 or 6 round tables with rectangular tables on one wall for snacks and a rectangular table where the Rector and Spiritual Directors can sit. There is also a podium at one end of the room, along with an easel for the poster pad.

• The Mount Assisi Lounge has been used as a place where the Team Member doing palanca can meditate/pray for the Team Member giving the talk. This makes it closer than trekking all the way to the chapel between talks.

• At the end of the weekend, leave the room clean of all trash and material. No cleaning is necessary, but everything you bring must be removed when you leave.

• The facility does have a hand cart for porting materials from the front door to the Meeting Room and it does have a CD player.

CHAPEL

• The Chapel is available at any time during the weekend.

• Missionhurst provides bread and wine for Mass and vestments as needed.

• There are music books (Glory and Praise) available, but they are previous year editions.

BEDROOMS

• There is either air conditioning or heat in the bedrooms. Once the boiler is turned on for heat, the facility can only produce heat.

• Towels and linens are provided for each room – but toiletries are not provided. There are no hair dryers provided.

• The steps needed to check out of the rooms are posted in the rooms. Remind attendees to follow those directions.

• Be mindful to turn off lights when not in the room.

• Tell attendees NOT to lock their door when they leave their room. They can lock their door when they are IN their room but the door must remain unlocked when leaving the room. There are no keys to the room. We do not have a master key – Father Sam would have to help you out if there is a problem.

• Bring your own pillow if you prefer and a flashlight for being outside at night.

Retreat Rooms

Room # Guest #1 Guest #2

2

Rooms 2 and 4 share a bath

4 ___________________

6 shared bath with room # 8

8 shared bath with room # 6

9 _____

10 ________

11

12

13

14

15

17 __________ _________________________

18 Handicap accessible

19

20

21

22

23

25 ______

30

32 _______

34 ________

36 ______________

37 ___________

38 _ Extended stay room

39

40

41

42

43

[pic]

Sample Missionhurst Schedule

Note: Meal times are now flexible.

-

THURSDAY

|TIME |ACTIVITY |RESPONSIBILITY |

|3:00-3:30 |Team assembles at Missionhurst |Team |

| | | |

|4:30 |Holy Mass for Team |Father, Liturgy Comm |

| | | |

|5:15 |Team Dinner (Shepherd's Door) |Group Reunion or Ultreya |

| | | |

|6:00 |Prepare for Candidates |Team |

| | | |

|7:00 |Candidates arrive |ALL |

| | | |

|7:40 |Opening Remarks, introduce Team |Rector |

| |Team will introduce their roommates this evening. | |

| |Brief comments are all that is needed. | |

| | | |

|8:00 |Candidates meet Roommates (rooms) |ALL |

| | | |

|8:20 |Candidates introduce Roommates |Rector |

| |Witness Room | |

| | | |

|8:50 |Process to Chapel |Angel & ALL |

| | | |

|8:55 |Meditation -KNOW YOURSELF |Spiritual Director |

| |followed by Meditation music |Musician |

| | | |

|9:15 |Meditation - PRODIGAL SON/DAUGHTER |SD – Father |

| |and Meditation music; Silent prayer time |Musician |

| | | |

|9:35 |CLOSING PRAYER/Final Words |Rector |

| |Grand Silence | |

| | | |

|9:45 |Team Meeting/Witness Room Set Up |Team |

| | | |

|NOTES: |Outside Greeters: | |

| |Check-in: | |

| |Luggage: Men of 109th | |

| |Minglers: Team | |

| | | |

FRIDAY

|TIME |ACTIVITY |RESPONSIBILITY |

|6:30 |Team wake-up |Angel |

| | | |

|6:45 |Candidate wake-up |Angel |

| | | |

|7:30 |Morning prayer (Witness Room) |Liturgy Comm. |

| | | |

|7:40 |THREE GLANCES OF CHRIST |Spiritual Director |

| |(in Witness Room) | |

| | | |

|8:00 |Breakfast (End of SILENCE) | |

| |[Note: Silence may be ended upon awakening if Team prefers] | |

|8:40 |Day's Schedule & Announcements |Rector |

| |- Group (Table) assignments | |

| |- Candidate introductions at the table | |

| |- Day's activities and format | |

| | | |

|8:50 |IDEAL |Team member |

| | | |

|9:05 |Discussion (20 min) & Poster (10 min) |Table Aux |

| | | |

|9:35 |Short Break | |

|9:45 |HABITUAL GRACE/LIVING IN GOD'S FRIENDSHIP Spiritual Director | |

| | | |

|10:00 |Discussion (20 min) & Poster (10 min) |Table Aux |

| | (reminder about Mass in 1 hour) | |

| | | |

|10:30 |Break (20 min.) | |

| | | |

|11:00 |HOLY MASS |Priest/Liturgy Comm. |

| | | |

|11:40 |Announcements (re table names) |Rector |

| | | |

|11:45 |Explain/Teach De Colores |Musician |

| | | |

|11:55 |Process to Lunch singing De Colores |All |

| | | |

|12:00 |LUNCH (Candidates sit by Group) | |

| | | |

|12:45 |Reassemble in Witness Room; Report Table Names Rector | |

| | | |

|12:50 |LAY PERSON IN THE CHURCH |Team Member |

| | | |

|1:00 |Discussion (20 min) & Poster (10 min) |Table Aux |

| | | |

|1:30 |Very short “stretch” break | |

| | | |

|1:35 |RESULTS OF GOD'S FRIENDSHIP |Spiritual Director |

| | | |

|1:55 |Distribute Palanca |Angel/Table Aux |

| |Free Time to read palanca | |

| | | |

|2:30 |Discussion (20 min) & Poster (10 min) |Table Aux |

| | | |

|3:00 |PIETY |Team Member |

| | | |

|3:15 |Discussion (20 min) & Poster (10 min) |Table Aux |

| | | |

|3:45 |Free time (SDs available for conferences) | |

| | | |

|5:30 |Optional: Rosary (outside at BVM’s statue) when bell rings | |

| | | |

|5:55 |Reassemble (Witness Room) Process to Dinner singing De Colores | |

| | | |

|6:00 |Dinner | |

|6:45 |Ultreya -Summaries of Discussions & Posters |All |

| | | |

|7:30 |RECONCILIATION in Chapel |Priests, Lit Comm |

| | | |

|9:00 |NIGHT PRAYERS (optional) when bell rings Rector | |

| | | |

|9:20 |Brief Team Meeting in Shepherd's Door |Team |

NOTES:

• Speakers dress and arrive in chapel 10 minutes before talk with SDs, Rector, and palanca partner.

• Grace and Thanksgiving will be said at every meal. (Team Member) will get volunteers (team for breakfast and lunch, candidates thereafter).

• Posters should have table number/name and be gathered by talk for return at 6:45 PM summaries

• Items for reconciliation service should be ready after dinner

• Musician needs copies of De Colores to hand out

• (Team Members) will set up for Mass; get lectors; get gift-bearers for Mass

• (Team Members) will oversee the snack table; (Team Member) will check the Palanca box for drop-offs

SATURDAY

|TIME |ACTIVITY |RESPONSIBILITY |

|6:15 |Team Wake Up |Angel |

| | | |

|6:30 |Candidate Wake Up |Angel |

| | | |

|7:15 |Coffee and Announcements in Witness Room |All |

| | | |

|7:30 |Morning Prayers in Chapel |Team |

| | | |

|7:35 |THE PERSON OF CHRIST -Chapel |Spiritual Director |

| | | |

|8:00 |Breakfast | |

| | | |

|8:40 |Assemble - Day's Schedule & |Rector |

| |Announcements; explain chapel visits and one-on-ones | |

| | | |

|8:45 |STUDY |Team Member |

| | | |

|9:00 |Discussion |Table Aux |

| | | |

|9:20 |Chapel visit (Group 1), |Table Aux |

| |One on One (Groups 2,3,4,5) | |

| | | |

|9:45 |Reassemble in Witness Room | |

| |reminder about Mass in one hour | |

| | | |

|9:50 |SACRAMENTS |Father |

| |(10 min. break in middle, at natural stopping point) | |

| | | |

|10:40 |Discussion |Table Aux |

| | | |

|11:00 |Short break – prepare for Mass | |

| | | |

|11:15 |HOLY MASS |Priest/Lit Comm. |

| | | |

|11:55 |Process to Lunch w/ De Colores |All |

| | | |

|12:00 |LUNCH | |

| | | |

|12:40 |Reassemble in Witness Room | |

| | | |

|12:45 |ACTION |Team Member |

| | | |

|1:00 |Discussion |Table Aux |

| |Chapel Visit Group 2 | |

|1:20 |Chapel Visit Group 3; |Table Aux |

| |Discussion Group 2 | |

| |One on One (Groups 1,3,4,5) | |

| | | |

|1:50 |OBSTACLES TO GRACE |Spiritual Director |

| | | |

|2:10 |Discussion |Table Aux |

| | | |

|2:30 |Chapel Visit (Group 4) then short break; |Table Aux |

| |short break before One-on-One (Groups 1,2,3,5) | |

| | | |

|3:00 |LEADERS |Team Member |

| | | |

|3:15 |Discussion |Table Aux |

| | | |

|3:35 |Chapel Visit (Group 5) |Table Aux |

| |One on One (Group 1,2,3,4) | |

| |(SDs available for conferences) | |

| | | |

|4:00 |Free time | |

| |(SDs available for conferences) | |

| | | |

|5:20 |Reassemble in Witness Room |Rector |

| |Explain Skits & Preparation Time | |

| | | |

|6:00 |DINNER (sit with group) | |

| | | |

|6:50 |Ultreya - Discussion Summaries & Skits |All |

| | | |

|8:00 |Chapel - Rosary and Night Prayers |Liturgy Comm. |

| |[Note: other devotions may be used in place of the Rosary] | |

| | | |

|8:30 |“Evening Activity” |All |

| | | |

|9:45 |Retire | |

| | | |

|10:00 |Lights Out | |

| | | |

|10:10 |Team Meeting - Clean Up |Team |

NOTES:

• Give Lovable Buttons to Tables.

• Table Aux. should be prepared for their role in Chapel visits and to ensure that candidates at table have partners for One-on-One.

• Party set up must be coordinated with night prayers.

• Clean up Shepherd’s Door as much as possible – will be used for Chapel visits

SUNDAY

|TIME |ACTIVITY |RESPONSIBILITY |

|6:00 |Team Wake Up |Angel |

| |(strip beds, make up w/clean sheets) | |

| | | |

|6:10 |Candidate Wake Up |Angel |

| | | |

|6:50 |Coffee and morning prayers in Witness Room |All |

| | | |

|7:00 |Morning Prayer |Angel |

| | | |

|7:25 |Chapel |All |

| | | |

|7:30 |CHRIST'S MESSAGE |SD or Team Member |

| |TO THE CURSILLISTAS | |

| | | |

|8:00 |BREAKFAST | |

| | | |

|8:40 |STUDY OF THE ENVIRONMENT |Team Member |

| | | |

|9:00 |Discussion |Table Aux |

| | | |

|9:20 |1-on-1 (Groups 1,2,3,4) |Table Aux |

| |Chapel visit (Shepherd’s Door Group 5) | |

| |(SDs available for conferences) | |

| | | |

|9:45 |CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN ACTION |Team Member |

| | | |

|10:05 |Discussion |Table Aux |

| | | |

|10:25 |Chapel Visit (Tables 3,4), |Table Aux |

| | One on One (Tables 1,2,5) | |

| | | |

|10:45 |Very Short Break |All |

| | | |

|10:50 |LIFE IN GRACE |Spiritual Director |

| | | |

|11:10 |Discussion |Table Aux |

| | | |

|11:30 |Chapel Visit (Tables 1,2) |Table Aux |

| |One on One (Tables 3,4) | |

| |(SDs available for conferences) | |

| | | |

|12:00 |LUNCH | |

| | | |

|12:40 |Reassemble in Witness Room | |

|12:40 |CURSILLISTA AFTER THE Cursillo |Team Member |

| | | |

|1:00 |Discussion |Table Aux |

| | | |

|1:20 |TOTAL SECURITY |Team |

| | | |

|1:40 |Group Reunion sharing |Table Aux |

| | | |

|1:25 |Hand out 4th Day packets, and explain |Rector/Angel |

| |Sermon on the Amount | |

| | | |

|1:35 |Time to pack, dress, and clear rooms |All |

| |Team begins to clear Witness Room | |

| | | |

|2:25 |Bring suitcases to back of Chapel |All |

| | | |

|2:30 |(candidates in chapel) (team pack and dress) |Rector |

| |Explain 3x5 cards and Quiet/Reflection Time | |

| | | |

|3:00 |HOLY MASS |Priest/ Lit Comm |

| | | |

|3:45 |Clear rooms and load bus |All |

| |(Angel & Musician leave for closing) | |

| | | |

|4:00 |Depart for Closing site |All |

| | | |

|4:30 |Arrive at Closing site | |

NOTES:

• Team should pack own suitcases as early in the day as possible; just leave out church clothes

• Angel & Musician leave early for Closing to set up

• Clean up: - Shepherd’s Door – (Team Members)

- Witness Room – (Team Members)

- Rooms (check) and Chapel– (Team Members)

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